OAK ISLAND, N.C. (WECT) – The Oak Island Police Department (OIPD) has arrested a homeowner in connection to the deadly shooting of a locksmith business owner during a service call.

According to a release from OIPD, officers were dispatched to a shots-fired report on Wednesday at 6:18 p.m. in the 300 block of NE 49th St.

Officers reportedly found Randy Stewart, 61, of Southport dead from gunshot wounds. Stewart was the owner of Stewart Enterprises Locksmith Service. Investigators believe the shooting happened during a service call of Stewart’s business at the home.

The homeowner, Brian Reed Grant, was taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder. He is being held at the Brunswick County Detention Center under no bond. He is due in court Thursday at 2 p.m.

OIPD officials said the incident is isolated and there is no danger to the public.

Internet rumors

OIPD says it’s been made aware of false reports on social media of “multiple gunshot victims.” OIPD says that information was never published by the police department.

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Naomi Kowles

Investigative reporter

Naomi Kowles joined WBTV in September 2023 as an investigative reporter after five years of reporting in Wisconsin, which included roles as a chief investigator, Sunday morning political show host, and newsroom manager.

She is the recipient of both regional and national awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association, as well as an assortment of other investigative awards from other regional news organizations.

She specializes in reporting on criminal justice, government accountability, religion, and issues of domestic violence and child abuse. Her reporting has been featured on CNN, CBS News, and NBC Nightly News.

Naomi is glad to add the South to places she’s called home, after being born in the Northeast and spending significant time in Asia and the Midwest.

Reach out to her with tips at naomi.kowles@wbtv.com.

Courtney Allen

Anchor/Investigative Reporter

Courtney Allen is WSMV4’s weekend evening anchor and an three-time Emmy-nominated investigative reporter. She is originally from Knoxville, TN where her family still lives. She loves reporting in her home state.

After graduating from Louisiana State University, Courtney began her career in Baton Rouge, LA as a breaking news reporter for a local morning show. The show was awarded Best Morning Show by the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters during her time there. She then went on to report in Greenville, N.C. While in North Carolina, Courtney was nominated for an RTDNAC award for her reporting on those with disabilities. She also reported in Albuquerque, N.M. before landing in Music City in October 2021.

While at WSMV4, Courtney did a series of stories after two students were hit on a crosswalk in a school zone. Courtney uncovered that the driver wasn’t charged. Why? It turns out, she was a longtime employee at the local police department. The coverage led to charges being brought against the driver, receiving a 2023 Emmy nomination in the category of Hard News Reporting.

Other notable stories include the case of a local property manager who stole rent money from tenants. Then, the property management company expected tenants to repay the money that the company admitted was stolen from them. Courtney’s exclusive reporting led to a USDA investigation, changes to rent collection procedures and an apology from the property manager. That coverage received a 2024 Emmy nomination in the category of Business/Consumer.

Outside of work, Courtney loves spending time with family, friends and her black lab, Dauphine, who she named after a street in New Orleans.

Brittany Schmidt

Action 2 News Anchor/Reporter GREEN BAY, Wis.

Brittany is a Wisconsin girl through and through—she grew up in the city of Algoma cheering on the Packers every Sunday and enjoys fresh cheese curds any chance she gets. If there is a sports game on—whether it be the Badgers, Packers or Brewers—you will most likely find her yelling at the TV.

After graduating from Algoma High School in 2007, Brittany went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison for Journalism. After earning her degree in 2012, she became the morning producer at WKOW-TV in Madison. She says that’s where she truly learned what it means to be a journalist—and she has never looked back.

Brittany went on to become a reporter and weekend anchor at WKBT-TV in La Crosse where she received multiple awards from the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association for her investigative work and live on-scene reporting. She also won 1st place for an investigative report from the Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association in 2016.

Brittany enjoyed her time in Madison and La Crosse, but she always knew she wanted to come back home and she is excited to join the WBAY-TV family. It’s been a few year, but she is quickly remembering everything she loved about the Green Bay area.

Brittany loves anything sports related, a good movie and hanging out with family and friends. She is hoping to add to her family by getting a puppy in the spring, so watch out for a cuteness overload of pictures on her Brittany Schmidt WBAY Facebook Page.

Baileigh Bockover

Anchor/MMJ Greenville, NC

Baileigh was raised in Sarasota, Florida, however, her family ties in North Carolina have always been the catalyst for her inevitable decision to make Greenville home.

Baileigh received her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications with a concentration in Broadcast News from the University of South Florida. Baileigh’s innate passion for public speaking, desire to reach people through positive community spirit, upholding our industry’s ethical code, and commitment to excellence for our viewers is always top of mind.

When she’s not reporting, Baileigh can be found exploring one of the many outdoor activities such as hiking or biking. Baileigh appreciates the art of healthy eating, the challenge of increased fitness goals, and the appreciation of family game night.